Swirling flow producing apparatus, method of producing swirling flow, vapor phase generating apparatus, microbubble generating apparatus, fluid mixed and fluid injection nozzle

ABSTRACT

There are provided a fluid injection nozzle, a fluid mixer, a microbubble generating apparatus, a vapor phase generating apparatus, a method of producing swirling flow, and a swirling flow producing apparatus that can be applied to any kind of fluid and can efficiently generate a swirling flow at high speed. 
     The swirling flow producing apparatus includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed in a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a swirling flow producing apparatus, a method of producing swirling flow, a vapor phase generating apparatus, a microbubble generating apparatus, a fluid mixer, and a fluid injection nozzle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a swirling flow producing apparatus and a method of producing swirling flow that efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in a fluid, and a vapor phase generating apparatus, a microbubble generating apparatus, a fluid mixer, and a fluid injection nozzle that use the swirling flow producing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the past, a technique for generating a swirling flow in liquid has been applied in various technical fields.

For example, there has been a separation apparatus that can easily generate a stable swirling flow, can improve the separation efficiency of a mixed fluid while suppressing the pressure loss of a mixed fluid, and can be made compact. In more detail, there has been disclosed a separation apparatus including a fluid passage 321 through which a mixed fluid F flows as shown in FIG. 23 (see Patent Document 1). The separation apparatus separates a mixed fluid F into a plurality of fluid ingredients by swirling the mixed fluid F in the fluid passage 321. The fluid passage 321 includes a tubular structure 322 of which the inner surface coming in contact with the mixed fluid F is formed in a spiral shape, and a dividing means 323 that divides the mixed fluid F, which flows through the tubular structure 322 in the form of a swirling flow, into a central portion and an outer peripheral portion.

Further, there has been a mixer that uses a swirling flow and can mix not only gas but also a solid or liquid, particularly liquid having high viscosity, with liquid. In more detail, there has been disclosed a mixer that includes a case 310 having a substantially cylindrical hollow portion, a liquid introducing port 312 that introduces liquid in a direction where a vortex is generated in the case 310, a discharge port 314 that is formed on an axis of the vortex generated in the case 310, and a nozzle 315 that supplies a material to be mixed to a position near the discharge port 314 in the case, as shown in FIG. 24 (see Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, in recent years, there has been known a technique that grows an aquatic organism or purifies contaminated water by using uses water containing micro-order or nano-order microbubbles. Various apparatuses using a swirling flow have been proposed as an apparatus that manufactures water containing the microbubbles.

For example, there has been disclosed an apparatus that generates a swirling flow in liquid as shown in FIG. 25A to 25B, and generates microbubbles in the discharged liquid by introducing gas into negative-pressure portions generated on an axis of the swirling flow (see Patent Document 3). Further, as another apparatuses, there has been disclosed an apparatus that further agitates and mixes a previously prepared gas-liquid mixture 423 by a stationary mixer 413 that includes an upstream screw portion 425 and a downstream cutter portion 426 as shown in FIG. 26, thereby producing a ultra fine gas-liquid mixture 427 (see Patent Document 4).

[Patent Document 1] JP11-028389A (full text, FIG. 1)

[Patent Document 2] JP2006-122813A (full text, FIG. 7)

[Patent Document 3] JP2006-116365A (full text, all drawings)

[Patent Document 4] JP2006-159187A (full text, FIG. 3)

Meanwhile, various kinds of liquid exist. For example, a property such as viscosity of water varies due to various factors, such as temperature or contained additives. Accordingly, conditions required for efficiently generating a high-speed swirling flow in liquid are various in accordance with the properties of liquid to be introduced. That is, design conditions vary depending on the fluid to be introduced. For example, the spiral shape and surface roughness vary in the case of the fluid passage of the separation apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1; the size of the liquid introducing port or discharge port for fluid, an introduction angle, the position of the port, a ratio between the areas of the liquid introducing port or discharge port for fluid, surface roughness, and the like vary in the cases of the mixer and the microbubble generating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3; and the shapes of the screw portion and the cutter portion vary in the case of the microbubble generating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 4.

However, there have been the following problems. That is, the efficient generation of a swirling flow according to fluids when the property such as viscosity of a fluid varies is not considered as for the apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, and 4. Further, the adaptability of each of the apparatuses is low.

Further, the apparatuses disclosed in these Patent Documents have problems in that the introduced liquid flows out only in one direction due to the structure of the apparatuses, a flowing-out direction is limited to one direction, and a large amount of treated fluid cannot be increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention have made zealous efforts, and formed an apparatus, which generates a high-speed swirling flow, using a predetermined housing and a cylindrical member. As a result, the inventors have devised measures for solving the problems and completed the present invention.

That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a swirling flow producing apparatus that can be applied to any kind of fluid and can efficiently generate a swirling flow, and a method of producing swirling flow using the swirling flow producing apparatus. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a vapor phase generating apparatus, a microbubble generating apparatus, a fluid mixer, and a fluid injection nozzle that use the apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swirling flow producing apparatus that includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the problems.

Further, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, if both ends of the cylindrical portion of the housing are opened, the fluid introducing passage may be provided in the middle of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction and the holes may be formed symmetrically with respect to the middle of the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member in an axial direction.

Furthermore, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, if only one end of the cylindrical portion of the housing is opened, the holes may be provided to be shifted at the opened end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion.

In addition, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, the cylindrical member may include a plurality of holes.

Further, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, the direction of the hole may be shifted from an axis of the cylindrical member.

Furthermore, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, the direction of each of the holes of the cylindrical member may be inclined toward the opening direction of the housing.

Further, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, the holes of the cylindrical member may include a plurality of holes having different sizes.

Furthermore, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, the position of the fluid introducing passage, which is formed at the cylindrical portion of the housing, may correspond to the position of the hole that is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member.

Further, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, a throttle portion may be formed at least at one of the fluid introducing passage and each of the holes.

Furthermore, in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the cylindrical member be replaceable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing swirling flow using a swirling flow producing apparatus that includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. The method of producing swirling flow includes introducing a fluid from the fluid introducing passage, and generating a swirling flow by making the fluid flow into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vapor phase generating apparatus that includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member while generating a swirling flow, so that a vapor phase is generated at a central portion of the swirling flow.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microbubble generating apparatus that includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member while generating a vapor phase at a central portion of the swirling flow, so that microbubbles are generated in the fluid.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid mixer that includes a housing a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid, which is introduced from the fluid introducing passage and contains a material to be mixed, flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member, so that the fluid and the material to be mixed are agitated and mixed with each other.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid mixer that includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which one end is opened, a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and a passage for introducing a material to be mixed that is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which both ends are opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, a material to be mixed is introduced into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the passage for introducing a material to be mixed, and the fluid and the material to be mixed flow out from the housing and the cylindrical member while being agitated and mixed with each other.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid injection nozzle that includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed in a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member.

The swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention includes the housing that includes the cylindrical portion and the fluid introducing passage, and the cylindrical member that includes the cylindrical portion and the holes. Accordingly, the structures of the housing and the cylindrical member may be appropriately selected, combined with each other, and used. Therefore, while some components are shared, it is possible to freely control a ratio between the areas of an inlet and an outlet for the fluid; the angle, shape, and position of the hole; the number of the holes; and the surface roughness of each member, in accordance with the properties of a fluid to be introduced. Further, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid.

Further, since the swirling flow producing apparatus is composed of only the housing and the cylindrical member, both ends may be opened. Accordingly, it is possible to make the fluid flow out in both directions, to make a large amount of fluid flow out while the flow is swirled at high speed, and to improve the treatment efficiency of the fluid.

Furthermore, since the fluid introducing passage and the holes are provided at predetermined positions when both ends of the housing are opened in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to make the fluid flow out while swirling the fluid in both directions at the same swirling speed.

Further, since the holes are provided at predetermined positions when only one end of the housing is opened in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to make the length of a vapor phase generation region long. As a result, if the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a mixer, it is possible to increase a time to perform a mixing operation and to increase the degree of mixing. Furthermore, since the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a microbubble generating apparatus, it is possible to increase a time to apply electrostatic friction to formed microbubbles.

In addition, since a plurality of holes is formed at the cylindrical member in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the cylindrical member.

Further, since the holes of the cylindrical member are formed in a direction shifted from the axial direction in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the cylindrical member.

Furthermore, since the holes of the cylindrical member are provided toward the opened end in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the collision of a fluid flow and to make the fluid flow out while swirling the fluid at high speed.

Further, since the cylindrical member includes holes having different sizes in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the intensity of the swirling flow that is generated in the cylindrical member. Accordingly, it is possible to control a streamline of the fluid. Therefore, it is possible to control a method of applying forces that are caused by the fluid and generated in the cylindrical member. As a result, for example, if the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a mixer, it is possible to reduce the introduction pressure of the material to be mixed and to facilitate energy saving.

Furthermore, since the position of the fluid introducing passage corresponds to the position of the hole of the cylindrical member in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to introduce the fluid into the cylindrical member without decreasing a flow rate of the fluid and to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow.

Further, since a throttle portion is formed at least at one of the fluid introducing passage and each of the holes in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to make a flow rate of the fluid high and to efficiently generate a swirling flow.

Furthermore, since the cylindrical member is made replaceable in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus can make the housing be shared, can change the structure of the cylindrical member in accordance with the fluid to be introduced, and can be applied to any kind of fluid.

Further, according to the method of producing swirling flow of the present invention, if an apparatus having a predetermined structure is used, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid.

Furthermore, according to the vapor phase generating apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the structures of the housing and the cylindrical member may be appropriately selected, combined with each other, and used. Therefore, while some components are shared, it is possible to freely control a ratio between the areas of an inlet and an outlet for the fluid; the angle, shape, and position of the hole; the number of the holes; and the surface roughness of each member, in accordance with the properties of a fluid to be introduced. Further, the vapor phase generating apparatus can be applied to any kind of fluid. As a result, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid and to efficiently generate a vapor phase.

Further, the apparatus may be composed of only the housing and the cylindrical member. Accordingly, if both ends of the housing are opened, it is possible to make a large amount of fluid flow out in both directions while a vapor phase is generated and the fluid is swirled at high speed.

Furthermore, according to the microbubble generating apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the structures of the housing and the cylindrical member may be appropriately selected, combined with each other, and used. Therefore, while some components are shared, it is possible to freely control a ratio between the areas of an inlet and an outlet for the fluid; the angle, shape, and position of the hole; the number of the holes; and the surface roughness of each member, in accordance with the properties of the fluid. Further, the microbubble generating apparatus can be applied to any kind of fluid. As a result, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid and to efficiently generate microbubbles in the fluid.

Further, the apparatus may be composed of only the housing and the cylindrical member. Accordingly, if both ends of the housing are opened, it is possible to make liquid, which contains microbubbles, efficiently flow out in both directions.

Furthermore, according to the fluid mixer of the present invention, as described above, the structures of the housing and the cylindrical member may be appropriately selected, combined with each other, and used. Therefore, while some components are shared, it is possible to freely control a ratio between the areas of an inlet and an outlet for the fluid; the angle, shape, and position of the hole; the number of the holes; and the surface roughness of each member, in accordance with the properties of the mixed fluid. Further, the fluid mixer can be applied to any kind of fluid. As a result, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid that is introduced after a fluid previously contains a material to be mixed, such as gas, liquid, or a solid, thereby efficiently agitating and mixing the fluid.

Further, the apparatus may be composed of only the housing and the cylindrical member. Accordingly, if both ends are opened, it is possible to make a large amount of mixed fluid flow out in both directions while swirling the fluid at high speed and to improve the mixing efficiency of the fluid.

According to another fluid mixer of the present invention, since a material to be mixed, such as another liquid, gas, or a solid is introduced when a high-speed swirling flow is generated in the fluid, it is possible to efficiently and sufficiently agitate and mix the material. In particular, if a vapor phase is generated at a central portion of the high-speed swirling flow, it is possible to make the sufficiently mixed fluid flow out.

Furthermore, according to the fluid injection nozzle of the present invention, as described above, the structures of the housing and the cylindrical member may be appropriately selected, combined with each other, and used. Therefore, while some components are shared, it is possible to freely control a ratio between the areas of an inlet and an outlet for the fluid; the angle, shape, and position of the hole; the number of the holes; and the surface roughness of each member, in accordance with the properties of the fluid to be injected. Further, the fluid injection nozzle can be applied to any kind of fluid. As a result, it is possible to efficiently inject any kind of fluid while swirling the fluid at high speed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1C are views showing an example of a swirling flow producing apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are views showing a housing of the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3A to 3C are views showing a cylindrical member of the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4A to 4B are views showing a housing that is formed of a single body;

FIGS. 5A to 5B are views showing a housing that includes flat portions;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are views illustrating the position of a fluid introducing passage;

FIGS. 7A to 7B are views showing a modification of the fluid introducing passage;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a swirling flow producing apparatus provided with a housing of which both ends are opened;

FIGS. 9A to 9B are views showing a fluid introducing passage that is positioned in a tangential direction;

FIGS. 10A to 10B are views showing a housing that includes a plurality of fluid introducing passages;

FIGS. 11A to 11B are views showing a state where a throttle portion is formed at a fluid introducing passage;

FIGS. 12A to 12B are views showing a cylindrical member that has different diameters at both ends thereof;

FIGS. 13A to 13G are views showing examples of the shape of a hole;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the length of a generated vapor phase;

FIG. 15 is a view showing holes that are formed symmetrically with respect to the middle of a cylindrical member in an axial direction;

FIGS. 16A to 16B are views showing a cylindrical member that includes holes having different diameters at both ends thereof;

FIG. 17 is a view showing a cylindrical member that includes throttle portions at holes;

FIGS. 18A to 18B are views showing a swirling flow producing apparatus that is provided with a secondary cylindrical member;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an example of a method of producing swirling flow;

FIG. 20 is a view showing that a vapor phase is generated while gas is introduced;

FIG. 21 is a showing a state where a fluid is mixed while a material to be mixed is introduced through a passage for introducing a material to be mixed;

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating an example of how to use a fluid injection nozzle;

FIG. 23 is a view showing the structure of a conventional separation apparatus;

FIG. 24 is a view showing the structure of a conventional mixer;

FIGS. 25A to 25B are views showing the structure of a conventional microbubble generating apparatus; and

FIG. 26 is a view showing the structure of a conventional microbubble generating apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A swirling flow producing apparatus, a method of producing swirling flow, a vapor phase generating apparatus, a microbubble generating apparatus, a fluid mixer, and a fluid injection nozzle according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to appropriate drawings. However, the embodiments show one aspect of the present invention, and may be arbitrarily modified within the scope and spirit of the present invention without limiting the invention.

Meanwhile, in the drawings, elements denoted by the same reference numerals indicate the same elements, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention provides a swirling flow producing apparatus and a method of producing swirling flow using the swirling flow producing apparatus. The swirling flow producing apparatus includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member.

1. Swirling Flow Producing Apparatus (1) Basic Structure

An aspect of a swirling flow producing apparatus according to an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a swirling flow producing apparatus 10, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1A taken in an axial direction, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1A taken in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Further, a housing 11 and a cylindrical member 21 of the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C and FIGS. 3A to 3C, respectively.

The swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a housing 11 and a cylindrical member 21. The housing includes a cylindrical portion 11 a of which one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage 11 b that is opened on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 a. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion 21 a and holes 23 that are formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 21 a. The both ends of the cylindrical portion 21 a, which include an end 22 a in a direction corresponding to the opening direction of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11, are opened.

The housing 11 of them is composed of a main body 13 and lids 12 a and 12 b. The main body 13 is a cylindrical member that includes a protrusion 14 protruding from the outer peripheral surface thereof. The main body includes the cylindrical portion 11 a of which both ends of the main body are opened and in which the cylindrical member 21 is received. Further, a fluid introducing passage 11 b, which is opened to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 a, is formed in the protrusion 14.

Furthermore, the lids 12 a and 12 b are provided at both ends of the main body 13. An opening 15, of which the diameter is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the main body 13, is formed at one lid 12 a of the lids. In addition, a recess 16 having an inner diameter, which substantially corresponds to the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 21, is formed on the inner surface of each of the lids 12 a and 12 b.

Further, the cylindrical member 21 includes a cylindrical portion 21 a of which both ends are opened, and a plurality of holes 23 that is formed at the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 21 a. The cylindrical member is positioned and fixed in the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11 with a predetermined gap S around the cylindrical member. The gap S functions as a passage through which a fluid flows.

According to the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the lids 12 a and 12 b are fixed so that the cylindrical member 21 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 11 a of the main body 13 and the cylindrical member 21 is fitted to the recesses 16 of the lids 12 a and 12 b provided at both ends of the main body as described above. Accordingly, the cylindrical member 21 is received and retained in the housing.

(2) Constituent Material

Materials of the housing and the cylindrical member are not particularly limited. Examples of the material may include a metal material or nonferrous metal material, such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a zinc alloy; a sintered body such as ceramics; resin materials, such as plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a thermoplastic polyolefin resin (TPO), a thermoplastic polyurethane resin (TPU), polypropylene (PP), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), and a fluorine resin; a recycle material such as wood, waste plastics, or waste wood; and the like.

For example, if the housing and the cylindrical member are made of a transparent resin material, it is possible to easily check the inside thereof and to use the housing and the cylindrical while checking the state of a swirling flow.

However, in order to prevent the change of the composition of a fluid to be introduced or efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow, it is preferable that the wettability with the fluid to be introduced and the degree of a swirling flow to be generated be considered and a material hardly reacting to the fluid be selected and used.

Further, it is preferable that the surface roughness of each of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the housing, the inner surface of the fluid introducing passage, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion be uniform. If the roughness of the contact surface between each of the members and the fluid is uniform, it is possible to suppress the dispersion of a fluid flow and the obstruction of the generation of a swirling flow.

For example, it is possible to easily make the surface roughness uniform by coating the surface of each of the members with a predetermined material. However, even though coating is performed, it is preferable that the wettability with the fluid to be introduced and the degree of a swirling flow to be generated be considered and a material hardly reacting to the fluid be selected and used.

(3) Housing

The housing 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is composed of two members, that is, the main body 13 and the lids 12 a and 12 b. However, the housing does not need to be necessarily formed of separated members, and may be formed of a single body where the main body is integrally formed with the lids.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B, a housing 31 may be formed of a single body having the structure where one end 32 b is closed and only the other end 32 a is opened. In the example of the swirling flow producing apparatus 30, a flange 43 having an outer diameter, which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the inner periphery of a cylindrical portion 31 a of the housing 31, is formed at an end 42 a of a cylindrical member 41. While the cylindrical member 41 is received in the cylindrical portion 31 a of the housing 31, fixing screws 34 are tightened to the screw holes formed at the housing 31 so as to be engaged with the cylindrical member 41 at the end. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of components and to fix the cylindrical member 41.

Further, the housing 11 used in the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C have had a cylindrical appearance, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the cylindrical portion 11 a is formed in a housing, the housing may have a box shape or any other shape.

For example, the cylindrical housing 11 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C can be manufactured using a relative small amount of a constituent material, the increase of the production cost thereof can be suppressed, and the weight thereof can be relatively reduced. Further, if a flat portion 17 is formed at a part of the housing 11 as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, it is possible to stably place the housing 11 during use.

Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 14 protruding from the housing 11 is not particularly limited. As long as a pump for supplying a fluid can be connected to the protrusion, the protrusion may have any shape. In addition, the position of the protrusion 14, that is, the position of the fluid introducing passage is also not particularly limited. The protrusion may be positioned close to an opened end of the housing 11 in an axial direction as shown in FIG. 6A. In contrast, the protrusion may be positioned far from the opened end as shown in FIG. 6B. Alternatively, the protrusion may be positioned in the middle of the housing in the axial direction as shown in FIG. 6C.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a fluid introducing passage 11 b may be formed of a hole that is preferable for a cylindrical portion 11 a, and the protrusion will not be repeated.

Further, one end of both ends of the housing 11, which is used in the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, in the axial direction has been opened. However, both ends of the housing may be opened as shown in FIG. 8. That is, an opening 15 may be formed at each of the lids 12 a and 12 b that are provided at both ends of the main body 11.

For example, if only one end of the housing is opened, another fluid inlet may be formed at the lid provided at the other end of the housing so as to form a fluid mixer, that is, an additional function may be added. In contrast, if both ends of the housing are opened, it is possible to disperse a fluid flow in two directions and to improve the treatment efficiency of a fluid.

Further, in the example of the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the fluid introducing passage 11 b of the housing 11 has been formed perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11. However, the direction of the fluid introducing passage is not particularly limited in the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention. In the swirling flow producing apparatus according to the present invention, the fluid, which has flown into the cylindrical portion of the housing through the fluid introducing passage, flows into the cylindrical portion in the cylindrical member through the holes that are formed at the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member, thereby generating a swirling flow. Accordingly, it is possible to basically generate a swirling flow regardless of the direction of the fluid introducing passage of the housing. However, the fluid introducing passage 11 b may be provided in the tangential direction of the cylindrical portion 11 a as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B so that the fluid introduced into the cylindrical portion of the housing flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member while maintaining the direction of the its flow and a swirling flow is generated, depending on a positional relationship to the holes of the cylindrical member or a relationship to the direction of the fluid introducing passage.

Further, the number of fluid introducing passages of the housing is not limited to one, and a plurality of fluid introducing passages may be provided. For example, if the capacity of a high-pressure pump for pumping a fluid is small, it is possible to introduce a larger amount of fluid by providing a plurality of fluid introducing passages 11 b as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B and connecting a plurality of high-pressure pumps to the fluid introducing passages 11 b. Alternatively, if a fluid is introduced from a plurality of fluid introducing passages 11 b even when one high-pressure pump is used, it is possible to easily introduce a fluid into the cylindrical member 21 from a plurality of places through the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11 at the same flow rate. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow.

Further, it is preferable that a throttle portion 18 be formed in a fluid introducing passage 11 b as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. If the throttle portion 18 is formed, it is possible to make a flow rate high when a fluid passes through the throttle portion and to more efficiently generate a swirling flow.

(4) Cylindrical Member

Furthermore, the diameter of an axial cross section of the cylindrical member 21 of the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11. The size of the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 21, which is formed as described above, may be appropriately determined in consideration of the viscosity of a fluid to be introduced.

In addition, in the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the cylindrical member 21 is fitted to and retained in the recesses 15 of the lids 12 a and 12 b of the housing 11. Accordingly, the length of the cylindrical member 21 in the axial direction is equal to the length of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11. However, in some fixing manners, the length of the cylindrical member may be shorter or longer than the length of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11. If the length of the cylindrical member 21 is adjusted as described above, it is possible to control the intensity of a swirling flow or a region where a swirling flow is generated. Accordingly, for example, if the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a vapor phase generating apparatus or a microbubble generating apparatus, it is possible to adjust the intensity of a vapor phase.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the diameters of both ends of the cylindrical member 21 may be different from each other. Since the cylindrical portion 21 a has different inner diameters in this case, it is possible to make the swirling speed of the swirling flow, which is generated in the cylindrical portion, vary. Accordingly, if the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a vapor phase generating apparatus or a microbubble generating apparatus, it is possible to adjust the thickness of a vapor phase (the diameter of a vapor phase) that is generated at both ends of the cylindrical member.

Furthermore, a plurality of holes 23 has been formed at the cylindrical member 21, but at least one hole may be formed at the cylindrical member. For example, even though only one hole is formed, if the hole is formed to be inclined in the predetermined direction and a fluid intermittently flows for a predetermined time, a predetermined flow is generated. Accordingly, it is possible to generate a swirling flow.

Meanwhile, even though a plurality of holes is formed, if the fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage of the housing flows into the cylindrical member from a plurality of places and the flow intermittently flows for a predetermined time, a predetermined flow is generated. Accordingly, it is possible to generate a swirling flow.

Further, it is preferable that the direction of the hole 23 be shifted in a predetermined direction from the axial direction of the cylindrical member as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. The reason for this is to efficiently generate a swirling flow by using the shift when a fluid flows into the cylindrical member. Furthermore, when a plurality of holes is formed, if all holes are formed to be shifted from the axial direction of the cylindrical member and to be inclined by a predetermined angle, it is possible to avoid the collision of a fluid flow and to make the fluid flow into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member without weakening the flow. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow.

In addition, it is preferable that the holes 23 be formed toward a portion of the housing 11, which corresponds to the opening 15, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. If the holes are formed as described above, it is possible to move the fluid, which flows into the cylindrical member, toward the opening while swirling the fluid. Further, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the generation of a swirling flow that is caused by the collision of the fluid flow.

The size of the hole, which is formed at the cylindrical member, is not particularly limited, and is appropriately determined in accordance with the properties of a fluid to be introduced or the state of a swirling flow to be generated. That is, the generation efficiency of a swirling flow of a fluid is changed depending on a ratio of the area of the hole (the sum of the areas of the holes in the case of a plurality of holes) to the area of the opening that is formed at the cylindrical portion. Meanwhile, the generation efficiency of a swirling flow of a fluid is also changed depending on the properties, particularly, viscosity of a fluid. For example, it is possible to change the dispersion force of the fluid, which flows into the cylindrical member, by adjusting the size of the hole.

Accordingly, it is preferable that the size of the hole or the size of the opening be determined from this point of view.

Further, the shape of the hole is not particularly limited. As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13G, a circular shape, a elliptical shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or other shapes may be appropriately selected as the shape of the hole.

Furthermore, if only one end of the housing 11 is opened as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, it is preferable that the holes 23 be formed to be shifted at the opened end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 a. When the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a vapor phase generating apparatus or a microbubble generating apparatus if the holes are formed as described above, it is possible to make the length L of a vapor phase generation region long as shown in FIG. 14.

Accordingly, for example, when the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a mixer, a material having a large weight is positioned outside and a material having a small weight is positioned close to a vapor phase due to a centrifugal force and a centripetal force. Accordingly, it is possible to increase a time to perform a mixing operation. That is, since the time to perform a mixing operation can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the hole, it is possible to optimize the degree of mixing.

Further, for example, if the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a microbubble generating apparatus, the length of a vapor phase is increased. Accordingly, it is possible to increase a time to apply electrostatic friction to formed microbubbles. That is, it is possible to adjust a time to apply electrostatic friction so as to optimize purification that uses the liquid containing microbubbles.

Meanwhile, if both ends of the housing 11 are opened as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the fluid introducing passage 11 b be positioned in the middle of the cylindrical portion 11 a in the axial direction and the holes 23 be formed symmetrically with respect to the middle of the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member in an axial direction. If the fluid introducing passage and the holes are provided as described above, it is easy to uniformly introduce a fluid to both ends in the axial direction and to generate a swirling flow at the same speed. Since the swirling speed at one end is different from that at the other end, the operation of the swirling flow is obstructed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the obstruction of the generation of a high-speed swirling flow as a whole in the cylindrical member.

Meanwhile, FIG. 15 shows an example of the cylindrical member 21 which is used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 and in which the holes 23 are formed symmetrically with respect to the middle thereof in an axial direction.

Further, if a plurality of holes is formed at the cylindrical member, it is preferable that the holes include holes 23 a and 23 b having different sizes as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. If the holes are formed as described above, it is possible to control a streamline, that is, the intensity of a force of a swirling flow that is generated in the cylindrical member. For example, since the holes are different from each other in size, dispersion forces caused by the fluid introduced into the cylindrical member are different from each other. By using this, it is possible to control a method of applying forces caused by the fluid so that forces caused by the fluid are applied against each other or applied to be separated from each other in the cylindrical member.

Accordingly, for example, if the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a mixer, it is possible to adjust pressure when a material to be mixed, such as gas or liquid, is introduced. Therefore, when emulsion is used as two kinds of liquid to be mixed, it is possible to save energy and it is easy to generate a desired swirling flow.

Further, it is preferable that a throttle portion 28 be formed at each of the holes 23 as shown in FIG. 17 like the fluid introducing passage of the housing. If the throttle portion 28 is formed, like the fluid introducing passage, it is possible to make a flow rate high when a fluid passes through the throttle portion and it is easy to more efficiently generate a swirling flow.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the cylindrical member be replaceable. If the cylindrical member is replaceable, cylindrical members having the various structures are prepared, and a desired cylindrical member corresponding to a fluid to be introduced is received in the housing, the swirling flow producing apparatus can efficiently generate a swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid. That is, each of the apparatuses does not need to be prepared in accordance with properties of fluids, so that it is possible to obtain general versatility. Further, even though any kind of fluid has been introduced, it is possible to most efficiently generate a swirling flow.

(5) Ultrasonic Wave Generating Unit and Temperature Control Unit

Further, although not shown in drawings, it is preferable that the housing or the cylindrical member be provided with an ultrasonic wave generating unit or a temperature control unit. If the ultrasonic wave generating unit is provided, it is possible to apply ultrasonic vibration to a fluid, to easily generate microbubbles, or to facilitate the mixing of fluids. Furthermore, if the temperature control unit is provided, it is possible to control the temperature of a fluid without affecting the composition of the fluid. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the viscosity of a fluid so that a swirling flow is easily generated.

(6) Secondary Cylindrical Member

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a secondary cylindrical member 51 may be further provided in the cylindrical portion 21 a of the cylindrical member 21. That is, a secondary cylindrical member 51, which has an outer periphery having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 21 a of the cylindrical member 21, may be provided.

In this case, the structure of the secondary cylindrical member may be the same as that of the cylindrical member.

(7) Combination

If the housing and the cylindrical member are appropriately combined with each other while the structure of each of the housing and the cylindrical member is changed, the swirling flow producing apparatus may be formed as an apparatus that has various functions and can function as a vapor phase generating apparatus, a microbubble generating apparatus, and a fluid mixer as described in the second to fourth embodiments. Further, since having relatively simple structure, the swirling flow producing apparatus can be positioned in a small space and easily transferred. Accordingly, the swirling flow producing apparatus can be used for various purposes.

2. Method of Producing Swirling Flow

A method of producing swirling flow using the swirling flow producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C will be described in detail below.

FIG. 19 shows a state where the swirling flow producing apparatus 10, of which the protrusion 14 of the housing 11 is connected to a hose 63 connected to a discharge port of a booster pump 61, is positioned in a tank 65 in which a fluid is contained. However, in the method of producing swirling flow according to the present invention, the swirling flow producing apparatus does not need to be positioned in the fluid, and the swirling flow producing apparatus may be provided as a part of a fluid passage.

The fluid for the generation of a swirling flow is not particularly limited, and various fluids, such as water, oil, an aqueous solution, and sewage, may be used as the fluid.

In this state, the fluid is pumped by the booster pump 61 and flows into the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11 through the fluid introducing passage 11 b. Then, the fluid flows in the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the housing 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 21, and flows into the cylindrical portion 21 a of the cylindrical member 21 through the holes 23.

After that, the fluid, which has flown into the cylindrical portion 21 a of the cylindrical member 21, forms a predetermined flow in a swirling direction, and is moved toward the opened end, thereby flowing out as a swirling flow.

It is possible to control the swirling speed or the like of the swirling flow, which is generated at this time, by changing a ratio of the area of the hole (the sum of the areas of the holes in the case of a plurality of holes) to the pressure of the pumped fluid or the area of the opening (the sum of the areas of the openings in the case of two openings) through which the fluid flows out.

Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently generate a swirling flow regardless of the properties of a fluid or the capacity of a pump.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention provides a vapor phase generating apparatus that uses the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. The vapor phase generating apparatus includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member while generating a swirling flow, so that a vapor phase is generated at a central portion of the swirling flow.

The structure of the vapor phase generating apparatus according to this embodiment may be the same as that of the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. That is, since the vapor phase generating apparatus having the structure can efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow, it is possible to easily generate a vapor phase by adjusting the amount of the pumped fluid to be introduced.

Further, if the cylindrical member 21 has different diameters as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the positions of the holes 23 formed at the cylindrical member 21 are adjusted as shown in FIG. 14, or the sizes of the holes 23 are different from each other as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B when the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a vapor phase generating apparatus, it is possible to optimize a vapor phase generation region or the intensity of a vapor phase and to obtain a desired vapor phase.

Furthermore, if an opening 15 is formed at a lid 12 a provided at one end of the apparatus, a gas inlet 19 is formed at a lid 12 b provided at the other end of the housing, and a hose 67 for introducing gas is connected to the gas inlet as shown in FIG. 20 when the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a vapor phase generating apparatus, it is possible to supply gas to the central portion of a swirling flow and to further easily generate a vapor phase.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention provides a microbubble generating apparatus that uses the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. The microbubble generating apparatus includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member while generating a vapor phase at a central portion of the swirling flow, so that microbubbles are generated in the fluid.

The structure of the microbubble generating apparatus according to this embodiment may be the same as that of the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. In addition, for example, when being used, as shown in FIG. 19, the swirling flow producing apparatus 10, of which the protrusion 14 of the housing 11 is connected to the hose 63 connected to the discharge port of the booster pump 61, may be positioned in a tank 65 in which a fluid is contained.

The microbubble generating apparatus having the structure can efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow, and easily generate a vapor phase at the central portion by adjusting the amount of the pumped fluid to be introduced. As a result, when a fluid flows out through the opening of the apparatus, the swirl is weakened by a fluid that stays outside the apparatus. For this reason, significant swirling speed difference occurs at an outlet of the apparatus. The vapor phase is continuously and stably cut due to the swirling speed difference. As a result, many microbubbles are mixed to the fluid that is flowing out, thereby being discharged.

Further, when the swirling flow producing apparatus is used as a microbubble generating apparatus, it is possible to adjust a time to apply electrostatic friction to formed microbubbles by adjusting the vapor phase generation region or the intensity of a vapor phase as described in the second embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to control the degree of electric charging of the microbubbles in accordance with the use of liquid containing microbubbles.

Furthermore, if the opening 15 is formed at the lid 12 a provided at one end of the housing, the gas inlet 19 is formed at the lid 12 b provided at the other end of the housing, and the hose 67 for introducing gas is connected to the gas inlet as described in the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 20, it is possible to supply gas to the central portion of a swirling flow and to easily generate a vapor phase. In this case, if the gas to be supplied is appropriately selected, it is possible to mix microbubbles, which have desired gas ingredients, to a fluid. For example, if water is introduced as the fluid and oxygen is used as the gas to be supplied, it is possible to produce oxygen bubble-water containing oxygen microbubbles.

In addition, although not shown in drawings, it is preferable that the housing or the cylindrical member be provided with an ultrasonic wave generating unit. If the ultrasonic wave generating unit is provided, it is possible to apply ultrasonic vibration to a fluid and to easily generate microbubbles.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a fluid mixer that uses the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment (hereinafter, this fluid mixer may be referred to as a first fluid mixer). The fluid mixer includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid, which is introduced from the fluid introducing passage and contains a material to be mixed, flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member, so that the fluid and the material to be mixed are agitated and mixed with each other.

The structure of the first fluid mixer according to this embodiment may be the same as that of the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. That is, since the fluid mixer having the structure can efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow, it is possible to efficiently and sufficiently mix the material to be mixed by swirling a fluid, which is introduced and contains the material to be mixed, at high speed.

In particular, the first fluid mixer according to this embodiment is effective in mixing liquid to liquid, mixing gas to liquid, and mixing a solid to liquid. That is, since using the high-speed swirling of a fluid, the first fluid mixer can efficiently mix a fluid regardless of the properties of a material to be mixed as long as a fluid contains at least fluid.

Further, needless to say, the first fluid mixer can also efficiently mix various kinds of materials, such as three different kinds of liquids, or liquid, gas, and a solid.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a fluid mixer that uses the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment (hereinafter, this fluid mixer may be referred to as a second fluid mixer). The fluid mixer includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which one end is opened, a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and a passage for introducing a material to be mixed that is formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which both ends are opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, a material to be mixed is introduced into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the passage for introducing a material to be mixed, and the fluid and the material to be mixed flow out from the housing and the cylindrical member while being agitated and mixed with each other.

According to the second fluid mixer of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, in the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment, an opening 15 is formed only at a lid 12 a that is provided at one end of the housing, a passage 69 for introducing a material to be mixed is formed at a lid 12 b that is provided at the other end of the housing, and different fluids are introduced from the fluid introducing passage 11 b and the passage 69 for introducing a material to be mixed, respectively. Since the fluid mixer having the structure can efficiently generate a high-speed swirling flow therein, it is possible to efficiently mix the introduced different fluids.

Further, since using the high-speed swirling of a fluid introduced from a fluid introducing part, the second mixer according to this embodiment can efficiently mix a fluid regardless of the properties of a material to be mixed that is introduced from the passage for introducing a material to be mixed. Accordingly, the material to be mixed may be any one of liquid, gas, and a solid.

In addition, a mixture that is obtained by previously mixing another material to be mixed, or a mixture that is obtained by mixing three or more different kinds of fluids in accordance with desired combination may be used as the fluid that is introduced from the fluid introducing part.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment of the present invention provides a fluid injection nozzle that uses the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. The fluid injection nozzle includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed in a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion. A fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member.

The structure of the fluid injection nozzle according to this embodiment may be the same as that of the swirling flow producing apparatus described in the first embodiment. When being used, as shown in FIG. 22, the fluid injection nozzle is connected to the end or middle of a hose 67 through which a fluid pumped by a pump 61 or the like flows. Accordingly, the fluid injection nozzle can inject a fluid while swirling the fluid at high speed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently generate a swirling flow in the case of any kind of fluid as described above. Accordingly, the present invention may be suitably used in various technical fields that use the swirling of a fluid. 

1. A swirling flow producing apparatus comprising: a housing including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical member that is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing, the cylindrical member including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, wherein a fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member.
 2. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if both ends of the cylindrical portion of the housing are opened, the fluid introducing passage is provided in the middle of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction and the holes are formed symmetrically with respect to the middle of the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member in an axial direction at both ends.
 3. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if only one end of the cylindrical portion of the housing is opened, the holes are provided to be shifted at the opened end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion.
 4. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical member includes a plurality of holes.
 5. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the hole of the cylindrical member is shifted from an axis of the cylindrical member.
 6. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction of each of the holes of the cylindrical member is inclined toward the opening direction of the housing.
 7. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holes of the cylindrical member include a plurality of holes having different sizes.
 8. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening position of the fluid introducing passage, which is formed at the cylindrical portion of the housing, corresponds to the opening position of the hole that is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member.
 9. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a throttle portion is formed at least at one of the fluid introducing passage and each of the holes.
 10. The swirling flow producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical member is replaceable.
 11. A method of producing swirling flow using a swirling flow producing apparatus that include a housing and a cylindrical member, the housing including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical member being provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing and including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, the method of producing swirling flow comprising: introducing a fluid from the fluid introducing passage; and generating a swirling flow by making the fluid flow into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes.
 12. A vapor phase generating apparatus comprising: a housing including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical member that is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing, the cylindrical member including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, wherein a fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member while generating a swirling flow, so that a vapor phase is generated at a central portion of the swirling flow.
 13. A microbubble generating apparatus comprising: a housing including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical member that is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing, the cylindrical member including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, wherein a fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member while generating a vapor phase at a central portion of the swirling flow, so that microbubbles are generated in the fluid.
 14. A fluid mixer comprising: a housing including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical member that is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing, the cylindrical member including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, wherein a fluid, which is introduced from the fluid introducing passage and contains a material to be mixed, flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member, so that the fluid and the material to be mixed are agitated and mixed with each other.
 15. A fluid mixer comprising: a housing including a cylindrical portion of which one end is opened, a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and a passage for introducing a material to be mixed that is formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical member that is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing, the cylindrical member including a cylindrical portion of which both ends are opened, and holes formed at a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, wherein a fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, a material to be mixed is introduced into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the passage for introducing a material to be mixed, and the fluid and the material to be mixed flow out from the housing and the cylindrical member while being agitated and mixed with each other.
 16. A fluid injection nozzle comprising: a housing including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical member that is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing, the cylindrical member including a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed in a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion, wherein a fluid introduced from the fluid introducing passage flows into the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member through the holes so as to generate a swirling flow, and flows out from the housing and the cylindrical member. 